What Is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovaries each month after ovulation. It is also produced by the placenta in pregnant women. The word is derived from pro-gestation meaning it is produced during the gestation period (pregnancy). It is vital for a healthy, regular menstrual cycle and a healthy pregnancy. It is also essential for breast development and breastfeeding[1]. Symptoms of low progesterone may include[2]:
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Irregular menstruation
- Low sex drive
- Joint pain
- Weak nails
Progesterone Benefits and Uses
Progesterone can be used to alleviate symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as tenders breasts, hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings. Many doctors will recommend first trying a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant before resorting to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
HRT commonly combines progesterone with estrogen, one of the two hormones that decreases during and after menopause. Some women opt to combining progesterone cream with phytoestrogens instead of synthetic estrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds which can help to balance your hormones. Because these compounds are similar to estrogen, they can attach themselves to estrogen receptors within the human body. Some can mimic estrogen’s effects, while others can block its production[3]. While phytoestrogens can be found in foods such as lentils, legumes, soy products, and whole grains, the easiest way to obtain extra phytoestrogens in a controlled way is by using a topical cream.
Progesterone Side Effects
Use of topical progesterone can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Chills
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Problems urinating
- A cough or a sore throat
- Chest pains
More serious but less common symptoms include[4]:
- Dimpling in the breast skin
- Inverted nipple(s)
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Discharge from one or both nipples
- Scalping of the skin on the nipple
- Redness or swelling of one or both breasts
- Sore skin on the breast that will not heal
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you should stop using the topical progesterone straight away and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
You should not use progesterone cream if you are currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy as it will increase the amount of progesterone in your body.
Progesterone Overdose
It is not possible to overdose on topical progesterone as long as it is used as directed and not taken orally. You may have too much progesterone in your body if[5]:
- Your breasts are unusually tender
- You are experiencing rapidly changing moods
- You have repeated urinary tract infections
If you feel that your progesterone level may be too high, consult your healthcare practitioner, and he or she will test your hormone levels.
DrFormulas Menopause Support Cream
DrFormulas™ Progester-ONE Menopause Support Cream is designed to support women’s health through perimenopause and menopause. Its formula which includes natural ingredients such as red clover, evening primrose oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and licorice, helps relieve mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. Its 3.5 oz. pump is simple and convenient to use and dispenses a consistent amount with each use. Simply apply the cream once or twice daily to arms, hands, and legs. The lotion is paraben-free and does not contain chemical preservatives or artificial colors or flavors. Don’t suffer menopause symptoms any longer. Start using DrFormulas™ Progester-ONE Menopause Support Cream today.
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/low-progesterone#overview1
[2] https://www.martinclinic.com/dr-martins-blog/468-do-you-have-low-progesterone
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/
[4] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/progesterone-side-effects.html
[5] http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/too-much-progesterone.html